With the knowledge gained from the World Mirror, Ethan and his companions prepared for their next mission. The Voidborn had scattered their strongholds across multiple dimensions, each heavily fortified and protected by powerful magic. Their first target was a stronghold located in a desolate wasteland dimension known as the Shadow Expanse.
The guild hall was buzzing with activity as everyone gathered their gear. Ethan stood at the center, reviewing the map projected by the World Mirror.
"According to this," he said, pointing to a glowing marker on the map, "the Shadow Expanse is home to the Voidborn's main weapon forge. If we take it out, we can cripple their ability to create the cursed weapons they use to invade other worlds."
"Sounds simple enough," Natsu said, cracking his knuckles. "We go in, smash everything, and come back."
"It's never that simple," Erza replied, crossing her arms. "If this is their weapon forge, it will be heavily guarded. We need a plan."
---
The Plan
Selene stepped forward, her expression serious. "The Shadow Expanse is a realm of perpetual darkness. The Voidborn draw strength from the environment there. To even the playing field, I'll cast a light spell that will disrupt their power, but it won't last long. You'll need to act quickly."
"Understood," Ethan said. He turned to the group. "We'll split into three teams. Team Alpha will handle the main forge, Team Beta will secure the perimeter, and Team Gamma will ensure our escape route is clear."
Erza, Hinata, and Lucy volunteered to lead the teams. Ethan would join Team Alpha, the group tasked with infiltrating the forge.
"Everyone, be careful," Ethan said, his voice firm. "We don't know what kind of traps or enemies we'll face, but we stick together. No one gets left behind."
---
Entering the Shadow Expanse
The portal to the Shadow Expanse crackled with dark energy as Selene opened it. Ethan and his companions stepped through, immediately feeling the oppressive weight of the dimension. The sky was a swirling mass of black clouds, and the air was thick with an unnatural chill.
"This place gives me the creeps," Lucy muttered, clutching her celestial keys tightly.
"Stay focused," Erza said, drawing her sword. "We're not here for sightseeing."
Ahead of them, a massive fortress loomed, its walls made of obsidian and pulsing with dark energy. Voidborn sentries patrolled the perimeter, their glowing red eyes scanning the darkness.
Selene raised her hands, chanting an incantation. A dome of light spread out around the group, pushing back the shadows and causing the Voidborn to recoil.
"Now's our chance," Ethan said. "Move!"
---
Team Alpha's Mission
Team Alpha moved swiftly through the fortress, dispatching Voidborn guards with precision. Ethan's sword clashed against their cursed weapons, his movements fluid and determined. Beside him, Hinata unleashed a flurry of gentle fist strikes, disabling enemies with ease.
"Ethan, up ahead!" Sakura called, pointing to a massive door engraved with runes.
"That's got to be the forge," Ethan said. "Let's break it down."
Erza stepped forward, her armor gleaming. "Leave it to me." She swung her enchanted blade, shattering the door with a single strike.
Inside, the forge was a massive chamber filled with molten metal and glowing runes. Voidborn blacksmiths worked tirelessly, crafting cursed weapons infused with dark magic.
"We can't let them continue," Ethan said. "Take them out!"
The team sprang into action, battling the blacksmiths and destroying the weapons they had created. Ethan slashed through rows of cursed blades while Sakura and Hinata disabled the blacksmiths with their precision strikes.
---
Team Beta and Gamma
Outside, Team Beta, led by Lucy, fought off waves of Voidborn reinforcements.
"Open, Gate of the Lion!" Lucy called, summoning Leo. "Loke, cover the left flank!"
"Got it!" Loke replied, engaging the enemies with his celestial magic.
Meanwhile, Team Gamma, led by Natsu, secured the escape route.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu bellowed, unleashing a torrent of flames that incinerated the Voidborn blocking their path.
"Keep moving!" Wendy called, using her sky dragon magic to heal their injured teammates.
---
The Forge's Guardian
Back in the forge, the team's progress was halted as a massive figure emerged from the shadows. The guardian of the forge was a towering Voidborn with four arms, each wielding a different weapon.
"You dare defile our sacred forge?" the guardian roared, its voice echoing through the chamber.
"We dare," Ethan replied, stepping forward. "And we'll destroy it."
The guardian charged, swinging its weapons with terrifying speed. Ethan dodged and countered with a powerful strike, but the guardian's armor deflected the blow.
"This thing's tough," Sakura said, narrowly avoiding a swing from the guardian's axe.
"We need to find its weak point," Hinata said, activating her Byakugan. "There! Its core is exposed when it swings its weapons!"
"Got it," Ethan said. "Cover me!"
Hinata and Sakura kept the guardian distracted while Ethan focused on its movements. As it swung its weapons, Ethan darted forward, aiming for the glowing core on its chest.
With a powerful strike, Ethan's sword pierced the core, causing the guardian to collapse in a burst of dark energy.
---
Mission Accomplished
With the guardian defeated and the forge in ruins, Team Alpha regrouped with the others outside the fortress.
"Everyone okay?" Ethan asked, scanning the group.
"We're good," Lucy said, though she looked exhausted. "That was intense."
"Yeah, but we did it," Natsu said, grinning. "One down, who knows how many to go."
Selene closed the portal behind them as they returned to Fairy Tail.
"You've dealt a major blow to the Voidborn," she said. "But this is just the beginning. They'll retaliate, and the next stronghold will be even more dangerous."
Ethan nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Let them come. We'll be ready."
To Be Continued...